Ucayali celebrates an important advance in the conservation of its biodiversity with the creation of the "Velo de la Novia" Regional Conservation Area (RCA). This recognition provides legal support for the protection of a representative sample of the Peruvian yungas and rainforest ecoregions, as well as a unique diversity of flora and fauna species.
The establishment of the Velo de la Novia RCA is an important achievement for Ucayali and for the country. It is the first RCA in Ucayali that will protect the yungas ecoregion, guaranteeing the conservation of key ecosystems and the protection of emblematic species, said Nelson Seijas Valderrama, executive director of the Regional Environmental Authority of the Regional Government of Ucayali (GOREU).
Nelson Seijas Valderrama recalled that the path towards the creation of the RCA has been supported by declarations at the regional level that highlight the importance of protecting the area. In 2021, the Regional Government of Ucayali issued the regional ordinance, recognizing the area as a priority site for conservation. As part of the zoning process, GOREU supported declaring that area as a fragile ecosystem in Ucayali as part of the process, whose joint work allowed it to be established in RCA with the new zoning. In addition, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service -Serfor declared the area as critical habitat by executive resolution and included the RCA in the list of fragile ecosystems.
Natural paradise with great biodiversity
The new RCA is located in the province of Padre Abad, in the Ucayali region. The new conservation area protects 14,399 hectares, where the 84-meter-high “Velo de la Novia” waterfall, which gives the RCA its name, is located.
"The biological value of the area is indisputable. Its forests are home to flora species such as the huayruro (Ormosia coccinea), the Andean palm (Ceroxylon echinulatum) and the red cedar (Cedrela odorata). In terms of fauna, the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), the military macaw (Ara militaris), the rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) and the jaguar (Panthera onca), all of which are threatened. In addition, the area is home to three species included in the National Conservation Plan for Threatened Primates of Peru (Serfor, 2020) and has endemic species such as the cordillera azul posin frog (Ameerega rubriventris) and the reticulated harlequin frog (Atelopus reticulatus)," said Cristy Díaz, head of projects for Nature and Culture International.
In total, 46 species of flora, 29 species of mammals, 26 species of birds, 2 species of amphibians, 11 species of reptiles and 15 species of fish have been recorded, reaffirming the ecological richness of the area.
The support between the Regional Government and cooperation has been fundamental for Ucayali to have a new RCA. The leadership of the Regional Government of Ucayali has received technical support from Conservation International and funds from Bezos Earth Fund, technical and logistical support from Nature and Culture International, and funding from Andes Amazon Fund, Re:wild, and UNDP.
Conservation and development benefits
The establishment of the "Velo de la Novia" RCA ensures the provision of multiple ecosystem services, including climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and the conservation of water sources that benefit local communities and the city of Aguaytía. It also opens up an opportunity to enhance existing tourism in the area, promoting a conservation model based on the sustainable use of natural resources.
“We are happy and proud to share this news with our partners and with the entire population that for years has been seeking the revaluation of the Velo de la Novia for its natural wealth and great potential to become a great center for sustainable tourism in the central jungle of the country,” said Kary Ríos, Manager of the Central Amazon Program of Conservation International.
In addition, the creation of the RCA strengthens ecological connectivity in the north-central Peruvian Amazon, forming a conservation mosaic together with natural protected areas such as the Cordillera Escalera RCA in San Martin, the Cordillera Azul National Park between San Martin, Loreto, Huanuco and Ucayali, the Kakataibo Indigenous Reserve between Ucayali, Loreto and Huanuco, the Alto Shambillo Local Forest in Ucayali and the Codo del Pozuzo RCA in Huanuco.
"This is an achievement for biodiversity and for the people who depend on these forests. We will continue working to strengthen their conservation and promote sustainable alternatives for their management," concluded Cristy Díaz.
With the consolidation of the “Velo de la Novia” RCA, Ucayali reinforces its commitment to conservation, ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.